Geoinformatics

Course Outline

Our MSc Geoinformatics programme addresses the need for technically aware and competent postgraduates to work in the field of geoinformatics, particularly as applied to environmental and resource management. This twelve-month full-time course covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of geoinformatics, including Geographical Information Systems and Science (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), geospatial data analysis and visualisation, programming, and internet GIS.



MSc Geoinformatics consists of 60 credits of taught modules, followed by independent research towards a dissertation, written up as an 8,000-word scientific paper, worth 30 credits. The Department of Geography offers 50 credits of core modules, with students provided the opportunity to enrol in an additional 10 credits from within Geography or beyond. In addition to the taught modules, you will have the opportunity to meet practitioners through regular seminars led by experts from Ireland and abroad, visits to local geoinformatics enterprises, and attendance at relevant Irish conferences.



We will introduce you to the foundational concepts of geoinformatics in the first teaching period, with lectures and practical classes. These skills are developed in the second teaching period with more advanced digital image processing, internet GIS and applications of geoinformatics, again taught through lectures, practical classes, and workshops. On completion of the taught modules, you undertake the dissertation (research project) in an area of your choice within the geoinformatics discipline over the summer.



Placement or Study Abroad Information

There are no compulsory placement requirements as part of the course. You are actively encouraged to seek opportunities to develop your skills in a commercial environment and several successful partnerships have been developed in this way.

Core Modules

Part I

GG6501 Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (5 credits)

GG6502 Introduction to Remote Sensing (5 credits)

GG6504 Digital Image Processing (5 credits)

GG6505 Applications of Geoinformatics (10 credits)

GG6508 Critical GIS (5 credits)

GG6531 Computer Programming for GIS Applications (5 credits)

GG6533 Spatial Ecology and GIS (5 credits)

GG6536 Geospatial Data Analysis (10 credits)

GG6537 Internet GIS (10 credits)



Part II

GG6511 Dissertation in Geoinformatics (30 credits)

Applicants for the MSc in Geoinformatics must normally hold a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8)or above, in a cognate area, e.g. Geography, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering or a cognate discipline.



Applicants with a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8), but with proven experience in an area of Geoinformatics, or with equivalent qualifications in related areas of science and technology, can be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for a place following interview and/or written or practical assessment by the programme team of the MSc in Geoinformatics.



The number of places is limited and selection will be based on academic achievement, relevant work experience, and a personal statement from the applicant. The Head of the Department must approve candidates.



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.



In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.



Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Vsit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date: Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

1 year full-time.

Start Date: 8th September 2025.

Skills and Careers Information

You will gain a wide variety of technical skills on this programme, including use of a number of proprietary and open source software and datasets, and the ability to write and adapt computer code. You will be exposed to the use of geoinformatics in a wide range of different environmental disciplines, which will fit you for a variety of different career routes. Many transferable skills are also fostered through different learning approaches, including critical thinking, problem-solving, report writing, oral presentations, statistical analysis, computer programming, independent research and time management.